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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, October 16, 2009

Couple plead not guilty to narcotics, gun charges

Advertiser Staff

A Kailua, Kona, couple pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two dozen felony and misdemeanor drug and other charges and will face a January trial, West Hawaii today reported.

Police said officers confiscated seven pounds of cocaine, 10 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, a half-ounce of crack cocaine and other drugs valued at more than $222,000 from a home this summer.

Darren Ching, 28, and Cherylnne Ching, 21, were indicted on Sept. 18 on six counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, three counts of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, two counts first-degree methamphetamine trafficking, one count second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, one count second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and one count first-degree theft.

They also face one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, four counts of failure to obtain a firearms permit, four counts of failure to register a firearm and one count alteration of weapon identification.

The couple remains free on $40,500 bail each on condition that they make weekly contact with their attorneys, turn over any firearms and ammunition to police, not own or possess alcohol or drugs and be subject to mandatory drug tests.

A jury trial is slated to begin Jan. 19 in Kona.

The Chings were arrested Aug. 5 following a search at the rented home on Ahulani Street where the couple lived with their 21-month-old boy, who was subsequently turned over to Child Protective Services.